Fact: While cardio exercises are beneficial for heart health and overall endurance, fat loss requires a more comprehensive approach that includes not only cardio but also strength training and proper nutrition.
Cardio exercises such as running, swimming, or cycling do help burn calories, but they are not as effective for long-term fat loss as strength training. Why? Strength training helps build muscle mass, and muscles, in turn, require more energy to maintain and repair, even at rest. This means that increasing muscle mass helps boost your metabolism, which leads to more calories being burned throughout the day.
How strength training aids fat loss:
- Boosts metabolism: Strength training increases your body’s metabolic activity, allowing you to burn more calories even while resting.
- Muscle growth: The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn, even when you’re not exercising, as muscles require more energy to maintain.
- Afterburn effect (EPOC): After an intense workout, your body continues to burn calories as it works to repair muscle fibers. This phenomenon is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), and it can last for hours after the workout.
Recommendations:
For optimal fat-burning results, combine cardio with strength training. Also, don’t forget the importance of proper nutrition, which should include adequate protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to fuel your energy and aid recovery after workouts.
